Dalat (AsiaNews) – A new training and support programme for 270 youths has been launched in the newly created parish of Da M’brim, which includes seven villages in the Bao Loc area in Vietnam’s highlands. Volunteers from the Pastoral Centre of the Diocese of Saigon run the programme.
Father Bien told AsiaNews that “when we come here we appreciate the spirit of its religious life. Father Thuc, a local parish priest, went from village to village picking up participants in his old car. Our meetings focused on knowledge and practice related to organising pastoral and social activities. Some 270 young people are involved, including some who have children.”
Upon their arrival, volunteers were greeted by a local a community leader. “We welcome all the volunteers; brothers and parishioners who have come to teach our children,” he said. “If you come here to teach our children about health care, culture and morality, we are willing to work with you.”
“Youths, parents’ groups and locals are welcoming, friendly,” said Ms Hai, a woman volunteer. “They enjoy activities, pastoral services and Bible lessons for the children. Every member of the parish has cooperated with their local community.”
“We helped young people gain knowledge and practice about social work and know better how to work with other young people,” said Mr Va, head of the group of volunteers. “Through social activities we have helped promote the youth of the poor areas.”
“Volunteers and groups of young people want to visit everyone in order to work with unfortunate children and the poor,” he added. “they are organising different types of activities. The spirit of the love of Jesus is to bring light to the highlands’ rural and mountainous areas.”
“We are really happy. I think we are no longer alone. We work together, sharing life’s joys and sorrows,” said Father Dung from Thai Binh Diocese.